Be “emotionless” against Pakistan: Assistant coach Doeschate reveals Gambhir’s message to India players

India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Match: Assistant Coach Ryan ten Doeschate Shares Team’s Take on Fan Backlash

In the heart of Dubai, as the Asia Cup heats up, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate opened up about the team’s mindset ahead of their high-stakes clash with arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. With emotions running high due to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, fans have been vocal about boycotting the India vs Pakistan fixture. But ten Doeschate says the players get it—they’re tuned in to public sentiments and ready to stay professional on the field.

The controversy kicked off after the brutal April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 tourists in the name of religion. This has sparked widespread anger in India, with many calling for a boycott of the Asia Cup match against Pakistan. Social media is buzzing with fans vowing not to watch the game, putting the spotlight on whether sports should mix with politics.

Stepping in to calm things, the Indian government rolled out a clear policy last month. It allows Indian athletes and teams to compete in international events like the Asia Cup that include Pakistan, but India will skip any competitions held in Pakistan or bilateral series against them. This green light means the match goes ahead, but not without tension.

Ten Doeschate, the Dutch coach assisting head coach Gautam Gambhir, admitted the uncertainty dragged on for weeks. "The Asia Cup was in limbo for a long time, and we didn’t even think we’d be coming here at one point," he said during a press conference on the eve of the India vs Pakistan showdown. He stressed that the players share the compassion felt by most Indians over the Pahalgam attack. "It’s a very sensitive issue, no doubt. But we’ve got to put those emotions aside and focus on playing for the country."

In a team meeting, the coaches addressed the backlash head-on. "We’re aware of people’s feelings," ten Doeschate added. "The players will be as professional and focused as possible tomorrow, no matter the circumstances." He revealed Gambhir’s straightforward message: Keep emotions in check, ignore what’s out of control, and approach the cricket with a clear head. No special preparations for this game—the team is sticking to their routine, though everyone knows the strong sentiments surrounding the India Pakistan rivalry.

When asked if the players might make a public statement on the Pahalgam terror attack, ten Doeschate kept it simple. "We’re following the BCCI and Indian government’s lead," he replied. "Some say keep sports and politics separate, and opinions vary. Hopefully, our performance on the field shows how we feel about the country."

As the Asia Cup India vs Pakistan match looms, all eyes are on how the teams handle the pressure. The Indian squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, includes stars like Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. Pakistan, captained by Salman Ali Agha, boasts talents such as Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman.

Will the emotions spill onto the pitch, or will professionalism win out? Fans are watching closely as this Asia Cup thriller unfolds in Dubai.

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